Let’s take a culinary journey through the heart of Madrid and uncover the best mid-range restaurants in Madrid for 2024, without breaking the bank. In this blog post, I’ll dive into the realm of Madrid’s best mid-range eateries for 2024, where tapas, innovative Spanish cuisine, and local favorites await. Updated as of 2024, this curated selection showcases top dining destinations where you can savor the flavors of Spain for under €25. Let’s explore the vibrant culinary scene of Madrid, highlighting the best mid-range restaurants that promise an unforgettable dining experience without compromising on quality or affordability.

*Note some of the links feature affiliate links. I only recommend items that I 100% love and think you will too!

Introduction

Madrid has long been known as one of the top culinary destinations in Europe. While the city boasts many high-end Michelin-starred restaurants, it’s the mid-range options that provide some of the best value for experiencing Madrid’s diverse food scene.

Mid-range in Madrid typically refers to restaurants with main courses priced between €15-€25. This provides diners with excellent quality cuisine, often from established chefs, without the premium prices. The mid-range Madrid restaurant scene features everything from traditional Spanish tapas and raciones, to contemporary gastropubs, to Michelin-starred tasting menus at affordable set prices.

With so many options throughout Madrid’s vibrant neighborhoods, mid-range restaurants offer an ideal way to sample top dishes from around Spain and the world. The selections showcased here represent an updated list for 2024 of Madrid’s best mid-range restaurants spanning traditional local eateries, Mediterranean cuisines, Asian fusion, romantic atmospheres, and great value multi-course meals. You may also be interested in these blog posts: Quench Your Thirst: The Best Sangria Spots in Madrid or The 6 Best Restaurants in Madrid You Need to Try This Year

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What is Considered Mid Range in Madrid

Madrid has a vibrant dining scene with restaurants at every price point. Mid-range restaurants in Madrid typically have an average cost per person of €25-50 for a multi-course meal with drinks. This gives you excellent food at reasonable prices compared to Madrid’s high-end restaurants.

Mid-range encompasses a wide variety of eateries from upscale Spanish tapas bars and bistros, to international cuisine. You’ll find tasty traditional Spanish food, gourmet burgers, Asian fusion, contemporary Mediterranean and more in this mid-price bracket. These restaurants offer full table service and high quality ingredients while maintaining reasonable prices.

Some examples of popular mid-range options include trendy gastro pubs, elegant wine bars with shared plates, upscale casual bistros run by accomplished chefs, and international eateries putting a creative spin on classics. With the average cost per person staying under €50, you can get a multi-course dinner with drinks at the best mid-range restaurants in Madrid without breaking the bank.

Best Traditional Spanish Cuisine

Madrid has no shortage of traditional Spanish restaurants serving up classic dishes like paella, roasted meats, and seafood. Here are my top picks for savoring the flavors of Spain in a mid-range setting:

La Tasquita de Enfrente

Chef Juanjo López prepares innovative takes on classic dishes at this cozy Malasaña spot. Highlights include grilled octopus with paprika potatoes, fried eggplant with honey, and oxtail cannelloni. Round out your meal with one of their dessert wine pairings. Entrees €12-€18.

Ramón Freixa Madrid

Celebrity chef Ramón Freixa puts a modern spin on classic Spanish cuisine. Their menu features fabulous paella, charcoal-grilled meats, and seafood entrees. Don’t miss the “cocido Madrileno” chickpea stew. Elegant atmosphere and superb service. Entrees €18-€28.

Best Tapas

Madrid is famous for its tapas culture, with seemingly endless options for delicious small plates to share with friends. Here are my top recommendations for the best tapas in mid-range restaurants for 2023:

Las Bravas – Don’t miss Las Bravas for their spicy fried potatoes. They have two locations, one in Puerta del Sol and the other in Las Letras.

Mercado de San Miguel – This gourmet tapas market has stall after stall of mouthwatering tapas. Highlights include the tortilla española (Spanish omelette, pulpo gallego (Galician octopus), and the bocadillo de calamares (fried squid sandwich). Go hungry!

Juana La Loca – Behind the Prado Museum, this is a sophisticated but buzzing tapas destination. Their highlights are the solomillo al foie (tenderloin with foie gras) and the salmorejo cordobés (cold tomato soup). Don’t miss their famous torrijas for dessert!

With so many incredible tapas restaurants, you can’t go wrong. Share several small plates at these spots for a true taste of Madrid!

Best Mediterranean

When it comes to Mediterranean cuisine in Madrid’s mid-range dining scene, a few spots stand out above the rest.

La Trainera is a cozy restaurant in the barrio Salamanca specializing in fresh seafood and fabulous paellas. Highlights from their menu include the Paella de Marisco loaded with mussels, shrimp, and calamari, as well as the roasted branzino and grilled octopus. The lively atmosphere makes it a great choice for groups.

For amazing tapas in a rustic setting, head to Lateral. Their menu features all the Mediterranean classics like gambas al ajillo, patatas bravas, and tortilla española, along with daily specials. Be sure to try their signature dish, the Lateral cheesecake made with manchego, membrillo, and olive oil. It’s out of this world!

Finally, Posada de la Villa offers a romantic dining experience in a historic 17th century inn. Start your meal with the Burrata con Pesto before moving on to one of their paella creations. Everything is prepared with locally-sourced ingredients and the highest quality olive oil imported from the owner’s estate in Andalucía. It’s the perfect spot for a special night out.

Best Asian Fusion Restaurants

Asian fusion cuisine has become increasingly popular in Madrid’s dining scene. Blending Asian flavors with Spanish ingredients and techniques results in creative and delicious dishes. Here are my top recommendations for the best mid-range Asian fusion restaurants in Madrid for 2024.

Lakasa

The chefs at Lakasa artfully fuse pan-Asian cuisine with Mediterranean touches. The shareable plates invite you to taste a variety of flavors like the crispy vegetable spring rolls with sweet chili sauce and the Lakasa fried rice with chicken and fried egg. The menu also features robata grill options as well as curries, noodle dishes, and more. The modern interior provides a sleek spot for a unique culinary journey.

Smok Mok

For playful takes on sushi and street food, check out Smok Mok near La Latina. The chefs draw inspiration from across Asia resulting in options like Madrid-style tripe stew fused with chorizo, inspired by a Saigon original or succulent prawns bathed in Java curry sauce atop a bed of rice. They create dishes like stir-fried udon noodles with smoked chicken, mushrooms, and vegetables, all glazed in a caramelizing sauce. The food is fresh and creative.

Best for Romantic Dinners

Madrid has no shortage of romantic restaurants perfect for a date night or special occasion. Here are some of the best mid-range options for romantic dinners in 2024:

Paco Roncero

This restaurant located on the roof top of the NH Collection Real Casino de Madrid offers one of the most romantic terraces in Madrid with stunning views of the city. The contemporary Spanish cuisine is excellent, but the ambiance and location make this a top choice for a romantic dinner for two. Be sure to ask for a table outside when you reserve to fully experience the magic.

Ramses Life

Tucked away near the Puerta de Alcalá, this cozy restaurant has a charming, old-world feel with dim lighting, candlelit tables and antique decor. The menu features elevated Egyptian and Mediterranean cuisine in a prix fixe format, making it a special dining experience. End your meal on the beautiful terrace with a glass of wine.

Lúa

Try this traditional Galician cuisine with a creative flair, served in a sophisticated restaurant setting or on a charming terrace. The menu features sea bass tiradito with chili tiger milk, glazed Galician beef rib, and a delicious Santiago liquid cake.

Best Value for Money

Madrid offers several excellent dining options that won’t break the bank. Here are a few top picks for getting great food at reasonable prices in 2024:

• Malacatín is an unpretentious tavern serving classic Madrid cuisine in the La Latina neighborhood. Get the roasted lamb, patatas bravas, and other Spanish favorites at wallet-friendly prices. The bustling atmosphere makes you feel like a local.
• Near the main museum area, Restaurante Botín has a tasting menu that is a steal. For around 30 euros per person, you’ll feast on roasted suckling pig, sea bream, and other Spanish cuisine from the restaurant certified by Guinness as the oldest in the world. You can’t beat the location, food, and price.
• La Taurina is a typical tapas restaurant directly in the heart of Sol with dishes like Rabo de Toro, chipirrones, and croquetas.
• Taberna del Sur is A contemporary tavern adorned with Spanish movie posters, offering a relaxed atmosphere and serving an array of tapas dishes and larger portions.

With these picks, you can experience top-notch Spanish cuisine in Madrid without breaking the bank in 2024. Visit any of these spots to get great value from your dining budget.

Other Spots

Madrid’s dining scene is always evolving with new restaurants opening up each year. Here are some of the best up and coming mid-range spots in Madrid worth checking out:

Tacocteleria – This restaurant in the Malasaña neighborhood serves up innovative Mexican cuisine in a casual, laid-back setting. The dishes seamlessly blend Mexican flavors with Spanish ingredients. Standouts include the tacos and their extensive mezcal cocktail selection.

Taberna Ángel Sierra – For incredible Basque-inspired tapas, head to this pintxo bar in the trendy Chueca district. They offer a vermouth that pairs perfectly with tapas and pinchos. Their menu features a variety of options including mussels, chipirones, anchovies, razor clams, serrano ham, and much more.

Conclusion

Madrid has an exciting and rapidly evolving culinary scene, with many excellent mid-range restaurant options to suit different tastes and occasions. Based on the recommendations outlined in this post, here are some of my top picks for the best overall mid-range restaurants in Madrid as of 2024:

• If you want a romantic dinner with fine cuisine at affordable prices, Lua is a great choice. Chef Luisa Orlando Blázquez’s seasonally inspired tasting menus offer incredible value, and the atmosphere is intimate yet lively.
• For tapas-hopping with friends, head to the Mercado de San Miguel to graze on bite-sized gourmet plates from an array of vendors. The market setting makes this a fun and social dining experience.
• On a budget but still wanting a quality meal? Check out Taberna El Sur, which offers some of the best deals on classic Spanish cuisine in a relaxed neighborhood setting.

No matter your tastes or budget, Madrid’s exciting mid-range dining scene has something delicious in store. Use this post as a starting point, and keep exploring this dynamic culinary capital. You can also learn more about how to spend a few days in Madrid with this: Madrid in a Weekend: Must-See Attractions, Tapas, and Tips blog post.

¡Buen provecho!

Top Activities In Madrid

Madrid offers an array of unforgettable experiences for travelers, starting with a visit to the iconic Bernabéu Stadium, home of Real Madrid, where football enthusiasts can explore the storied grounds and museum. Art lovers will find inspiration at the Prado Museum, one of the world’s premier art galleries, showcasing masterpieces by Goya, Velázquez, and other Spanish greats. The “Emociones” Live Flamenco Performance provides an authentic taste of Spain’s passionate dance tradition, captivating audiences with its vibrant energy and soulful music. No trip to Madrid would be complete without exploring the Royal Palace, a stunning example of Baroque architecture and the official residence of the Spanish Royal Family, offering a glimpse into the nation’s regal history and opulent splendor.

FAQ’s

What is the number one rated restaurant in Madrid?

The top-rated restaurant in Madrid can vary depending on different sources and personal preferences. However, one consistently highly acclaimed restaurant is DiverXO, led by chef David Muñoz. DiverXO holds three Michelin stars and is known for its innovative and avant-garde approach to cuisine, blending Spanish and Asian flavors in unexpected ways. Reservations are essential due to its popularity and limited seating.

Where do celebrities dine in Madrid?

Celebrities visiting Madrid often frequent upscale restaurants and trendy eateries known for their ambiance, quality cuisine, and exclusivity. Some popular spots include:

1. Ten Con Ten: This chic restaurant and bar is a favorite among celebrities and locals alike for its stylish ambiance and contemporary Spanish cuisine.
2. Zalacaín: A classic institution in Madrid’s dining scene, Zalacaín offers traditional Spanish dishes in a sophisticated setting, attracting high-profile clientele.

What time should I eat dinner in Madrid?

In Madrid, dinner typically starts later compared to many other countries. Locals often dine between 9:00 PM and 11:00 PM, with peak dining hours around 10:00 PM. Restaurants tend to get busier as the evening progresses, especially on weekends. It’s advisable to make reservations, particularly for popular establishments or during peak dining hours, to ensure you secure a table.

What food is Madrid most famous for?

Madrid is renowned for its diverse culinary scene, offering a wide range of traditional dishes and regional specialties. Some of the most famous foods associated with Madrid include:

1. Bocadillo de Calamares: A classic Madrid street food, this sandwich features crispy fried squid rings served in a crusty baguette.
2. Cocido Madrileño: A hearty stew made with chickpeas, various meats (such as chorizo, pork, and beef), vegetables, and noodles, traditionally served in three courses.
3. Tortilla Española: A Spanish omelette made with potatoes, eggs, and onions, cooked until golden and served in thick slices.
4. Churros con Chocolate: A beloved snack or breakfast item, churros are fried dough pastries dusted with sugar and served with thick hot chocolate for dipping.

These dishes represent just a sampling of Madrid’s culinary delights, showcasing the city’s rich gastronomic heritage and diverse flavors.